94rexsf

I know your not bashing the car so this is not a flame, but the car is not underpowered. Interms of the output of the engine, the US SPEC rx8 makes about the same power as the S2000 with peak power at the same 8500 RPM area. A noticeable difference though is in the low rpms. The rx8 has a much more flat torque curve. Of the 159 lbs Torque, 90 pct of it is available at 3000 RPM and the peak is at 5500, vs 7500 for the S2000.

The gearing on the Rx8 is 4.44 vs 4.11's for the S2000. The S2000 has a superior power to weight, there is no gettin around that. its also quicker stock vs stock for that very reason. Canzoomers ECU mods will put 25 + HP to the wheels in the Rx8. Thats going to make it equivelant to the S2000 interms of acceleration.

Again, im not bashing the S2000, I have been on this board for 2 years and I drive my friends 02 s2000 sometimes.

Saud2k

all i was saying is that people say that this car sucks because it was over rated in terms of power, i said that power is not everything in order to telll these guys that it doesnt really matter
for my, i would be perfectly happy driving a blue or red RX8, its a really cool car with really cool looks

94rexsf

I understand, but it wasn't exactly "Over rated". You know the japanese version has the full 247 HP? It was the last minute tuning mazda had to do to get the car to meet the 100K mile cat life that was mandated by the US gov't. Either bad timing or Mazda just took too long to get the car out. Thats why Canzoomers mod gives 25 rwhp back to the rx8.

My Rx8 is BLUE by the way!!!

ITR #203

94rexsf: I have to repectfully disagree with you. The RX-8 was overrated. Whether it was a last minute ECU change or not, the power rating should have been changed accordingly. Also, Carzoomer as well as others think that the RX-8 is really making around the 228 hp number that the EURO RX-8 is rated at; Thats with even ignoring the ABS/TCS.

Also, I have to say that the S2k still makes a few more hp up top. However, you are right about the gearing; I think that bridges the gap- a little.

Dont get me wrong, I really like the RX-8, and I am still considering buying it (remember my review on the car in another topic). It offers almost S2k performance and makes it more accessible to more people who need more practicality. Also, the fact that you can get a sport package RX-8 (which on the 6 speed doesnt add anything sporty but it does add Xenon headlights) for around 26k, makes it more accessible as well. Its just that I dont think it really has the edge against the S2000 in any performance statistic or catagory or measurement except maybe steering feel, which obviously is subjective.

suvh8r

I couldn't even possbily consider it until they fix the gas milage issue. ~15 mpg?!?!? Isn't that what the supercharged cobra gets?

94rexsf

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ITR #203
94rexsf:

MrForgetable

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 94rexsf
Rx-8's are selling very well.

94rexsf

yes, all mazda dealers have 10 on the lot. infact the walnut creek one had 30.

It doesn't mean they aren't selling, it means they have ton of them on the lot, there is a difference.